Overview
- This week TSN insider Darren Dreger said the main barrier to deals is that any acquiring club would likely need to commit to an extension near $12 million per season.
- Kirill Marchenko remains noncommittal at Columbus training camp and is under contract for 2026–27 with a $3.85 million cap hit, which leaves the Blue Jackets holding his rights as he will be an RFA with arbitration next summer.
- Salary‑cap math makes Toronto and Montreal poor fits to both acquire and keep Marchenko without large roster moves, while teams with bigger projected space such as the New York Islanders are viewed as more realistic landing spots.
- Columbus can wait for a high return because Marchenko lacks trade protection and the club will demand steep assets rather than sell quickly, according to multiple insiders tracking the market.
- Marchenko’s strong scoring track record and the rising market for top scorers mean any trade could force acquiring teams to sacrifice young players or future flexibility and reshape their payroll and roster plans.